The Mossos d'Esquadra have arrested nearly 100 people, a quarter of whom are minors, following disturbances in Plaça de Catalunya. Fourteen shops were looted.
The Mossos d'Esquadra arrested nearly 100 people for their alleged participation in the disturbances that occurred in central Barcelona. A quarter of those arrested are minors. During the day, 14 shops were looted, urban furniture was set on fire, and there were clashes with the police.
The gathering, which brought together around 600 young people at the peak of tension, had not been communicated to the authorities. It was called via social media and had its meeting point at Plaça de Catalunya. Most attendees were dressed in black, and the incidents spread to the surrounding streets.
According to the Councillor for the Interior, Núria Parlon, the disturbances began around 6:00 PM. The Generalitat is investigating who made the call and does not rule out that it was inspired by mobilisations that same day in other European cities, some of which also experienced violent episodes.
Parlon and the Mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni, rejected the idea that the protest was related to the defence of any rights or to the camp for housing access that has been set up in the square for weeks. Both described it as vandalism and violence.
The Barcelona City Council will take part in any judicial proceedings that arise. Collboni warned that those responsible will face legal consequences and noted that, in the case of minors, there could also be repercussions for their parents, according to applicable procedures.
At the start of the incidents, the Mossos dispersed the crowd, which split into groups around the area. Riot police charged to contain the clashes. The Guardia Urbana closed access to Plaça de Catalunya between Plaça Urquinaona and the Universitat.
Many shops pulled down their shutters, and some reinforced their windows with wooden boards. Hundreds of customers were trapped inside some stores for a time, and several had to exit through back doors or emergency exits.
The Mossos requested via their X account that citizens avoid Plaça de Catalunya and its surroundings, where, they reported, there were groups burning containers, damaging furniture, and throwing stones at the police. As a precautionary measure, the Renfe and Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat stations in the square ceased to provide service while the risk lasted.
The authorities will now need to determine the individual participation of each detainee and the responsibilities for the damages caused.
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